Japan is facing a unique challenge: millions of empty houses. With a declining population, especially in rural areas, a staggering 14% of all houses in Japan sit vacant, enough to house the entire population of Australia! This trend, known as “akiya,” is having a significant impact on the country’s society and economy.
The root of the problem lies in a combination of factors. Young people are moving to cities for opportunities, leaving behind their ancestral homes in the countryside. Inheriting these properties can be a burden, as many lack the resources or desire to maintain them. Demolition is discouraged by higher taxes on vacant land, leading to a cycle of decay.
However, there’s a potential silver lining. Foreigners are showing increasing interest in these akiya, particularly traditional “kominka” houses. These charming properties offer a unique and affordable option for accommodation, vacation rentals, or even tourist experiences.
A Real Case of Akiya
In 2018, Canadians Jesse Cunningham and Mika (who keeps her last name private for her YouTube channel, Maigomika) embarked on a Japanese adventure. They landed jobs in Oita Prefecture, Mika at a local English school and Jesse through the JET program. Three years later, Jesse’s dream job as a blacksmith materialized in Kochi Prefecture. This meant another move, but luckily, thanks to a connection through Jesse’s new boss, they stumbled upon an unexpected solution: an akiya.
“It was crazy,” Jesse told The Japan Times. “The house was like a time capsule! There was even food still in the fridge. We paid the ¥30,000 rent, and the owner hilariously gave us back ¥10,000 for ‘garbage disposal.'”
It turned out the akiya wasn’t truly abandoned; it was more like “quasi-abandoned,” Jesse explains. The owner, now in assisted living, simply couldn’t manage the house anymore. “She raised her two sons here,” Jesse says, “and even though they live far away in Osaka, she probably held onto the hope they’d come back someday.”
Mika, who now works remotely in tourism marketing, understands the sentimentality. “There’s a deep connection some people have with their homes,” she the Japan news outlet. “They just hope the family legacy continues.”
The house itself was a single-story charmer with a kitchen, living area, and bedroom. It sprawled across a decent plot of land with a separate toilet building and even two little gardens. For seven years, it sat empty, a silent testament to a bygone era. Now, for a mere ¥30,000 a year (which Jesse believes is just the house tax), it was theirs to call home. To seal the deal, the owner’s sons even made a special trip from Osaka to collect the first year’s rent. Jesse and Mika’s akiya adventure had officially begun.
Restoration and Renovation Is Challenging
One entrepreneur, Hana Sakata, has been successfully renovating and renting out kominka for years. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Restoring these old structures requires significant investment and specialized skills, which are becoming increasingly rare.
Despite the challenges, the potential for akiya tourism is undeniable. Foreign tourists are eager for a taste of authentic Japanese life, and the current supply can’t keep up with demand. The weak yen further fuels this trend, making Japan an attractive travel destination.
Japan’s empty homes are a symptom of a larger demographic issue. Neighboring countries like South Korea and Singapore are experiencing similar declines in birth rates. But with its unique cultural heritage, Japan might be able to turn this challenge into an opportunity, by welcoming foreign residents and tourists with open arms, and breathing new life into its beautiful, traditional homes.
Image—Pinterest
